Devendra Fadnavis Sworn in as Maharashtra CM, Shinde and Pawar Join as Deputies

GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 5th Dec. Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Thursday evening, bringing an end to nearly two weeks of political uncertainty and power struggles between the BJP and Shiv Sena. Eknath Shinde, leader of the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena, and NCP leader Ajit Pawar were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers, maintaining the 1+2 formula with a significant shift in favor of Fadnavis.

The ceremony, which took place at Mumbai’s iconic Azad Maidan, was attended by several political dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states. The trio of Fadnavis, Shinde, and Pawar later paid floral tributes to Maratha icon Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at Mantralaya, Maharashtra’s government headquarters. Fadnavis also signed his first file as Chief Minister, initiating a medical assistance cheque.

Fadnavis, a six-time MLA, is now serving as the Chief Minister for the third time, fulfilling a promise he made years ago. His political journey saw a dramatic shift in 2019 when, despite winning the election, he was ousted from the Chief Minister’s office after the Shiv Sena broke its alliance with the BJP. However, Fadnavis never gave up on his return, famously stating, “Paani utarta dekh, mere kinare par ghar mat basa lena. Main samandar hoon, lautkar wapas aaunga.”

Thursday’s swearing-in marked the culmination of BJP’s strategy of destabilizing the Shiv Sena and NCP, resulting in a resounding victory for the Mahayuti alliance. The alliance secured 235 seats in the 288-seat Maharashtra Assembly, with BJP emerging as the single-largest party with 132 seats. In contrast, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, Congress, and NCP, saw a dramatic decline, winning only 49 seats.

In the aftermath of the elections, the political dynamics in Maharashtra shifted, with both Shinde and Ajit Pawar’s factions playing crucial roles in the re-alignment. Shinde’s Sena claimed 57 seats, but with the NCP’s backing, the BJP was able to claim the Chief Minister’s position. However, Shinde’s faction continued to stake a claim on the top post for days, creating uncertainty over the final outcome.

The delay was attributed to internal party negotiations, with Shinde reportedly seeking key cabinet positions, including the crucial Home Ministry, currently held by Fadnavis. Following intense deliberations, Shinde and Pawar eventually joined Fadnavis, finalizing the new Maharashtra government.

While the final cabinet distribution remains uncertain, sources indicate that Shinde’s faction is likely to secure prominent portfolios, including Water Resources and Public Works Department, in the new government. The political maneuvering continues, but the BJP’s dominance in Maharashtra’s power structure is clear with Fadnavis at the helm once again.